Brief aan Héloïse Bernard-Bodin after 1894

This letter, addressed to Héloïse Bernard-Bodin, was written in July 1894 by the artist Emile Bernard. During the late 19th century, the French art scene was transitioning away from academic traditions into more avant-garde movements. Bernard, associated with artists like Gauguin and Van Gogh, played a pivotal role in this shift. Within this personal correspondence, there is a deeply emotional outpouring. Bernard reveals family tensions and feelings of isolation. He speaks of being misunderstood and questions his own egoism. The letter hints at broader societal issues. It references a passionate political moment and violence perpetrated in the name of government. He references figures of justice and clairvoyance, as well as a need for eternal deliverance. Bernard’s poignant cry for understanding resonates beyond his personal struggles. It becomes a reflection on the complex intersection of family dynamics, artistic identity, and political unrest in 19th-century France.